Appendix 1

DIAGRAM TO BE INSERTED Insert the overall context diagram on the inside of the front cover here

i Appendix 1

DIAGRAM TO BE INSERTED This will explain the “What”, “Why”, “Who?”, “How?” and “When?” of the SCI in simplified terms – it will be a stand-alone diagram but will also explain where further information is available if required.

ii Appendix 1

CONTENTS iii

Glossary V

SECTION ONE – THE EASY GUIDE TO COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Vii IN NORTH WILTSHIRE

SECTION TWO – THE COMPREHENSIVE STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY 1 INVOLVEMENT IN NORTH WILTSHIRE

1.0 Introduction 2 - A Brief History of This Council’s SCI So Far… 3

2.0 Setting the Scene – The Planning Background of the LDF 4 - Regional Spatial Strategy 4 - Local Development Framework 4

3.0 The North Wiltshire Communities – Who to Consult 7 - Hard to Reach Groups 8

4.0 Type of Community Involvement in the LDF – When we Will Consult and How? 9 - Links with Existing Community Initiatives 10 - Development Plan Documents 11 - Supplementary Planning Documents 15 - Statement of Community Involvement 16 - Sustainability Appraisal 17

5.0 Types of Community Involvement in Planning Applications 20 - Promoting and Encouraging Community Involvement 20 - The Council’s Delegation Scheme 21 - Information and Advice 21 - Councillors 22 - Development Control Committee 22 - Future Improvements to Community Involvement in Planning Applications 22 - Major Applications 23 - Pre-Application Discussions 24

6.0 Reviewing and Resourcing the SCI 26 - Reviews 26 - Resources 26

7.0 What Happens Next for the SCI? 28

iii Appendix 1

TABLE OF APPENDICES

Appendix A – Consultation Promise 30 Appendix B – NWDC Community Database 31 Appendix C – Consultation Matrices 45 Appendix D – Existing Community Initiatives 49 Appendix E - Consultation Methods for Major Planning Applications 53 Appendix F – Tests of Soundness Analysis of NWDC’s SCI 56

iv Appendix 1

Glossary of Terms

AAP Area Action Plan The mechanism for ensuring development of an appropriate, scale, mix in a defined area. These Plans will focus upon implementation, providing an important and quality for key areas of opportunity, change or conservation.

AMR Annual Monitoring Report Authorities are required to produce an AMR to assess the implementation of the LDS and the extent to which policies in LDDs are being achieved.

CS Core Strategy Sets out the long term vision for the District and provides the strategic policies and proposals that will deliver that vision.

CoS Community Strategy The Community Strategy is a statement of the needs and aspirations of local communities. Through the Community Strategy, authorities are expected to co-ordinate the action of local public, private, voluntary and community sectors. Responsibility for producing the Community Strategy has been passed to the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) which includes NWDC representatives.

DPD Development Plan Document Any part of the LDF that forms part of the statutory development plan. This includes the Core Strategy, area wide policies, topic policies, area action plans, proposals map and site allocations.

LDF Local Development Framework The collective name given to all those policies and documents forming the framework for future development in North Wiltshire. The LDF will contain a portfolio of LDDs.

LDD Local Development Document The individual documents that set out planning policies for specific topics or for geographical areas.

LDS Local Development Scheme The LDS sets out the programme for preparing the LDDs, what they will contain and proposals for monitoring and review.

LP Local Plan The existing statutory plan setting out policies for controlling development and proposals for particular areas/sites.

PPS Planning Policy Statements Government statements of national planning policy, being phased in to supersede Planning Policy Guidance notes (PPG’s)

RSS Regional Spatial Strategy Sets out the region’s policies in relation to the development and use of land and forms part of the development plan for Local Planning Authorities.

v Appendix 1

SA Sustainability Appraisal Assessment of the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the policies and proposals contained within the LDF. SCI Statement of Community Involvement Document explaining to stakeholders and the community, how and when they will be involved in the preparation of the LDF, and the steps that will be taken to encourage this involvement. SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment Assessment of the environmental impacts of the polices and proposals contained within the LDF (in line with SEA Directive 2002)

SPD Supplementary Planning Document SPDs are intended to elaborate upon the policy and proposals in DPDs but do not have their status.

vi Appendix 1

Terms of Reference

Front Loading A phrase that denotes early consultation in the plan making process.

North Wiltshire Community The North Wiltshire Community is made up of all the people who live, work or have an interest in the District and its continued development. The Council’s representation of the North Wiltshire Community is set out in its Community Database - Appendix B. This is a database of all the people and organisations interested in the North Wiltshire Local Development Framework, this database is continually evolving as organisations are added or removed.

Material Considerations Local planning authorities must determine planning applications in accordance with the Statutory Development Plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. These are any considerations that relate to the use and development of land for example Government Policy or site specific details.

Sound Considered in this context within its ordinary meaning of “showing good judgement” and “able to be trusted” and within the context of fulfilling the expectations of legislation.

Spatial Planning An approach to planning that ensures the most efficient use of land by balancing competing needs.

Statement of Conformity This document should explain how the preparation of the DPD has met the requirements for community involvement set out in the SCI (or regulations if the document is not in place)

The Act The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004

vii Appendix 1

SECTION ONE

THE EASY GUIDE TO COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN NORTH WILTSHIRE

Use the next section to choose what you want to become involved in.

Look at the bottom of each page to choose your area of interest.

Then look down the first column of the table on that page. You can choose what part of our work you want to influence.

Follow the advice in each row to help you navigate through the Statement of Community Involvement.

For the Comprehensive guide to community involvement please turn to Appendix C on page 48.

viii Appendix 1

“I am At what time am I able to make my views How can I interested in What should known? influence these and want to I look out decisions and influence… for? how will I know?

…the way in You can write to the address below at any time with your views. We will make a decision at which I am the end of each year on

“ whether or not we need to

I The Spatial Planning Team consulted on This Statement of seek amendments to the

a North Wiltshire District Council proposals to Community Statement of Community m Monkton Park develop, change Involvement Involvement.

I Chippenham n or conserve Your views will be t e North acknowledged and the r Or send us an email to: [email protected] e Wiltshire.” actions we take will be s

t explained. e d …the overall The South West Regional Assembly Website contains details of the This is a document i n strategy that RSS and relevant consultation arrangements. produced by the South

H West Regional Assembly directs where i acting as the Regional g The Regional SWRA http://www.southwest-ra.gov.uk

h grow th and Spatial Strategy Dennett House, Planning Body. The RSS

L change will 11 Middle Street, not a matter dealt with by e North Wiltshire District v happen in the Taunton, e Council. l South West of Somerset,

P TA1 1SH

o England” l i c y …the type of Preparation Stages Production Stages Final Stages We will give publicity to

I these documents as set

s development Go to page 11 to Go to page 13 to see Go to page 14 to see

s out in pages 11 – 15. u that will be The North Wiltshire see the details. This the details. There will the details. There will e Core Strategy stage is completed. be consultations in be a final consultation We will prepare a s necessary and

” Development Plan A review of the Core Feb – March 2006 in Jan – Feb 2007 document to show how we where it will be Document Strategy is likely to and then in June – have taken views into located within take place in 2011 July 2006 account and will send a North Wiltshire“ copy to each respondent.

IX Appendix 1

“I am At what time am I able to make my views How can I interested in What should known? influence these and want to I look out decisions and influence… for? how will I know?

“ Preparation Stages Production Stages Final Stages You will be able to submit

I …the allocation your views at each stage. a of land for The Housing and Go to page 11 to Go to page 13 to see See page 14 to see m The Council will keep track Employment see the details. the details. There will the details. There will housing and of your views and prepare I Development Plan These stages will be be consultations in be a final consultation n employment a document that will show

t Document completed by April April – May 2006 and in Jun – July 2007

e how those views have development.” 2006. in Oct – Nov 2006 r been taken into account. e s t Preparation Stages Production Stages Final Stages You will be able to submit

e …the future

d your views at each stage. development of Go to page 11 to Go to page 13 to see See page 14 to see

i The Council will keep track n see the details. the details. There will the details. There will Chippenham, The Chippenham of your views and prepare

S There will be be consultations in the be a final consultation Wootton a document that will show p and the Main Towns opportunities for Spring and then in the in the Autumn of e Bassett, Calne, Development Plan how those views have c involvement in the Winter of 2007. 2008. i Document been taken into account. f Corsham, evidence gathering (See the latest version of the (See the latest version of the i c Malmesbury and up to April 2007. Local Development Scheme Local Development Scheme

I on the Council’s website) on the Council’s website)

s Cricklade.” s u e …the future Preparation Stages Production Stages Final Stages You will be able to submit s your views at each stage. i development in Go to page 11 to Go to page 13 to see See page 14 to see n The Council will keep track the rural areas see the details. the details. There will the details. There will M of your views and prepare The Rural Areas There will be be consultations in the be a final consultation y and villages of a document that will show Development Plan opportunities for Spring and then in the in the Autumn of A how those views have North Document involvement in the Winter of 2007. 2008. r been taken into account. e Wiltshire.” evidence gathering (See the latest version of the (See the latest version of the a

” up to April 2007. Local Development Scheme Local Development Scheme on the Council’s website) on the Council’s website)

X Appendix 1

“I am At what time am I able to make my views How can I interested in What should known? influence these and want to I look out decisions and influence… for? how will I know?

“ Preparation Stages Production Stages Final Stages You will be able to submit I …the location of your views at each stage. h new housing and Go to page 11 to Go to page 13 to see See page 14 to see a The Council will keep track v related see the details. the details. There will the details. There will

e of your views and prepare The West Swindon There will be be consultations in be a final consultation development in a document that will show a Area Action Plan opportunities for Mar – Apr 2007and in the Autumn of n how those views have the area Development Plan involvement in the then in Jul – Aug 2007 2008. i been taken into account. n immediately to Document evidence gathering t (See the latest version of the e the West of up to September Local Development Scheme r on the Council’s website) e Swindon.” 2006. s t

i Preparation Stages Production Stages Final Stages You will be able to submit n …the future of your views at each stage. W the Bowood Go to page 11 to Go to page 13 to see See page 14 to see The Council will keep track e Estate, edge of see the details. the details. There will the details. There will s of your views and prepare

t There will be be consultations in be a final consultation Calne and The Bowood Estate a document that will show

S opportunities for Oct – Nov 2006 and in June – July 2007. adjacent villages Area Action Plan how those views have w involvement in the then in Feb – Mar

i been taken into account. n such as Derry evidence gathering 2007. d

o Hill and Sandy up to September n 2006.

, Lane.” o r …any other We will be happy to This will occur to a This will occur to a This will occur to a In the run-up to December o receive new ideas timetable that will be timetable that will be timetable that will be of each year, the Authority t future planning h and will consider set out in any set out in any revised set out in any revised will be preparing an Annual e policy document r these annually revised programme programme for programme for Monitoring Report. This will

i not yet towards the end of for producing producing documents. producing documents. be the time to submit any s s programmed for each year when we documents. opinions on documents we u e preparation.” prepare our Annual (See the latest version of the need to produce. You will s Local Development Scheme

. Monitoring Report. need to provide evidence on the Council’s website) to support your opinion.

XI Appendix 1

“I am At what time am I able to make my views How can I interested in What should known? influence these and want to I look out decisions and influence… for? how will I know?

… how planning Pre-Production Production Stages Adoption Stage You will be able to submit “ I policies, Stages .. … your views at the h production stage. The

a Go to page 11 to Go to page 15 to see The document will be guidance and Council will keep track of v see the details. the details. We will adopted for use by e planning The Sustainable your views and prepare a Development There will be consult on the early Oct 2007. a applications will document that will show Supplementary opportunities for draft during Nov – d comply with how those views have

e involvement in the Dec 2006 Planning Document been taken into account. t Sustainable evidence gathering a i up to September l Development e d principles.” 2006. i n t Pre-Production Production Stages Adoption Stage You will be able to submit e …the detailed r Stages .. … your views at the e guidance on how s The Affordable production stage. The

t Go to page 11 to Go to page 15 to see The document will be affordable Housing Council will keep track of

i see the details. the details. We will adopted for use by n housing will be Supplementary your views and prepare a Evidence gathering consult on the early April 2007. i achieved.” Planning Document document that will show m will be complete by draft during May –

p how those views have April 2006 June 2006 l e been taken into account. m e …the detailed Pre-Production Production Stages Adoption Stage You will be able to submit n

t Stages .. … guidance on how your views at the i n production stage. The g North Wiltshire Go to page 11 to Go to page 15 to see The document will be The Open Space Council will keep track of

p see the details. the details. We will adopted for use by DC will provide your views and prepare a o Guide There will be consult on the early Oct 2007. l i and maintain Supplementary document that will show c opportunities for draft during Nov – i how those views have e public open Planning Guidance involvement in the Dec 2006 s been taken into account.

” space.” evidence gathering up to September 2006.

XII Appendix 1

“I am At what time am I able to make my views How can I interested in What should known? influence these and want to I look out decisions and influence… for? how will I know?

…the detailed Pre-Production Production Stages Adoption Stage You will be able to submit “ Stages .. … your views at the I guidance on how production stage. The h North Wiltshire Go to page 11 to Go to page 15 to see The document will be a Council will keep track of v DC will ensure see the details. the details. We will adopted for use by e your views and prepare a The Design Guide There will be consult on the early March 2008. document that will show a that the best Supplementary opportunities for draft during Apr – May n how those views have possible design Planning Document involvement in the 2007. i been taken into account. n standards are evidence gathering t e employed in new up to February 2007. r e

s development.” t i n …any other No document has yet Pre-Production Production Stages Adoption Stage In the run-up to December

i been included in the Stages .. … of each year, the Authority m future detailed programme (the will be preparing an Annual p guidance To be determined To be determined To be determined l

e Local Development Monitoring Report. This will m document not yet Scheme). However be the time to submit any e programmed for NWDC will be happy opinions on documents we n t to receive suitably need to produce. You will i preparation.” n justified suggestions need to provide evidence g and will consider to support your opinion. p o these annually l i

c towards the end of i e each year when it s

” prepares its Annual Monitoring Report.

XIII Appendix 1

“I am At what time am I able to make my views How can I interested in What should known? influence these and want to I look out decisions and influence… for? how will I know?

…a planning Pre-Application During Feedback After the The feedback form is your application for Stage Consideration of the Decision on the opportunity to express your “

I Application Application opinion about the outcome Applicants will be major of the application and the a strongly encouraged Section 5, page 23 of You will receive a m development in effectiveness of the The specific to consult with the this document feedback form to

i my local area or consultation. We will be n planning application local community on comprehensively sets allow you to express t field of interest. analysing this information e these schemes. out how consultation your opinion. concerned regularly. Each year, we r will be undertaken e Full details can be will publish the results in s t found in Section 5 and our Annual Monitoring e especially on page 23. d Report and promoting

i changes if necessary. n a …a planning During Feedback After the The feedback form is your p Consideration of the Decision on the opportunity to express your

l application for a Application Application opinion about the outcome n minor or n of the application and the

i Section 5, page 23 of You will receive a n householder effectiveness of the g this document feedback form to development in consultation. We will be

a comprehensively sets allow you to express

p analysing this information my local area or The specific out how consultation your opinion. p planning application regularly. Each year, we l field of interest. will be undertaken i c concerned will publish the results in a

t our Annual Monitoring i o Report and promoting n

” changes if necessary.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This guide is based upon Local Development Documents to be produced as set out in the Local Development Scheme 2006 - 2009. The documents to be produced may change and alter if the Local Development Scheme is changed in future years.

XIV Appendix 1

SECTION TWO

THE COMPREHENSIVE STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN NORTH WILTSHIRE

[Insert pretty picture]

1 Appendix 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Many people are aware of the planning system that operates in the UK which seeks to balance the need for providing homes, employment and transport with environmental protection. For many years it has protected towns and countryside from sporadic development. However, Government considers that the planning system could perform better, offering both greater opportunity for community engagement and speedier decision making.

1.2 The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (the Act) introduces a new planning system which aims to speed up decision making and ensure communities are involved from an early stage. The old style local plans will be replaced by a new style Local Development Framework (LDF). This will comprise a series of Local Development Documents (LDDs) which set policies and proposals for North Wiltshire District. Chapter 2 of this document explains what these are.

1.3 Although for many years the Council has consulted the community and published its decisions, the new Act requires that Councils set out exactly what steps they will take in the future. This document, the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) aims to present clear guidelines on how North Wiltshire District Council (NWDC) will involve all sections of the community in planning for the future development of their environment. It explains NWDC’s policy for engaging the community in the preparation of LDDs and in the consideration of planning applications for all parts of the district.

1.4 The SCI will outline the minimum standards that the Council will employ to meet the legal requirements set out within the new Act. However, it will also detail how the Council will aim to exceed these minimum requirements. The SCI will provide certainty on the levels of community involvement that should be expected.

1.5 We are committed to using new and innovative ways of involving the community more effectively in the planning system. We will use a combination of traditional methods, such as public exhibitions and meetings and innovative techniques, such as utilising information technology to achieve effective and efficient participation. We want to ensure that everyone with an interest in what we do understands how they can contribute to and influence the outcomes of the decision-making process. Flexibility is key.

1.6 In preparing this document, the Council has been conscious of its role to provide the opportunities for community involvement. A “Consultation Promise is set out at Appendix A to promote transparency and give the community a guaranteed level of service. It is a set of standards that the Council will commit to for all consultation exercises undertaken. As part of this process, the Council will encourage public access to the background research documentation and evidence that supports the final LDF documents. Where possible, a lead officer will be identified in relation to the development of a piece off work. That officer will be responsible for ensuring the commitments of the SCI are applied.

2 Appendix 1

A Brief History of NWDC’s SCI So Far…

1.7 NWDC’s SCI commenced production in April 2005.

1.8 In order to help us define our community and to understand more about the key issues facing North Wiltshire, a questionnaire consultation exercise was undertaken during July 2005. The results of this exercise are found in the “Community Engagement in Preparing the SCI” which accompanies this report. This report provides a detailed explanation of all of the consultation exercises we have undertaken to date – it provides a copy of all representations received or questionnaires completed and the detailed course of action we have taken in relation to each comment. A copy of this document is available on our website at www.northwilts.gov.uk or by contacting the Spatial Plans team on 01249 706 444.

1.9 The key issues raised through this early consultation were taken into consideration in the preparation of the draft SCI in the summer of 2005.

1.10 On the 10 October 2005, an eight week period of consultation began on the draft SCI with traditional methods of consultation such as meetings with key groups and attendance at all area committee meetings being undertaken. We also undertook more innovative methods of consultation such as the holding of four forums sessions targeting particular groups. The period of consultation concluded on 2 December 2005.

1.11 The Council received 840 representations by 63 groups or individuals during the consultation period. The issues raised are detailed in the “Community Engagement in Preparing the SCI” report, and where appropriate, changes have been made to this SCI in response.

1.12 This final version of the SCI has also been amended from the draft version to update it in the light of further government guidance.

1.13 The SCI is now placed on public consultation for a six week period from ?? April 2006 to ??May 2006. This is your last formal opportunity to make your views on the SCI known to us.

1.14 Your involvement in the SCI and the LDF process is very important as the LDF will:

· Set out the Council’s policies and proposals for development and land use in North Wiltshire; · Give developers and local people a clear idea of what is likely to be acceptable development (and what isn’t); · Be the basis for decisions on planning applications and appeals. Decisions must be made in accordance with the LDF unless other material considerations indicate a different decision should be made.

1.15 If you have any queries about this document or wish to speak to an officer please contact the Spatial Plans Team on 01249 706 444 or email on [email protected]

3 Appendix 1

2 SETTING THE SCENE – The Planning Background

2.1 The Act introduced a radically different planning system to England to that which is replaced. Parts One and Two of the Act contained the measures which have changed the face of development plan-making in England, in the process consigning old-style structure plans to history. The Act introduced a new “two- tiered” planning system made up of:

· Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS), and · Local Development Frameworks

2.2 The LDF together with the RSS, will determine how the planning system will help shape the local community.

Regional Spatial Strategy

2.3 These are to be prepared by the regional planning body, which in the case for the southwest is the South West Regional Assembly (SWRA) which was established in September 2004. The SWRA are tasked with two main responsibilities:

i) to review and revise the existing Regional Planning Guidance. This was first published in 2001 as RPG10 and is now called the RSS. ii) to develop a new RSS for the period 2006-2026. The new RSS will set out a broad spatial planning strategy for how the region should look in the next 20 years including housing allocations. There has been public involvement in each of the stages involved in the production of the new RSS.

2.4 The draft RSS will be submitted to Government at the end of March 2006. Government will then carry out a formal public consultation, culminating in a public examination, before approving the final version of the RSS.

2.5 For further information on the RSS please refer to the SWRA website at www.southwest-ra.gov.uk or telephone 01823 270101.

Local Development Frameworks

2.6 The LDF will comprise a suite of planning documents prepared by us, the District Council. These will outline the spatial planning strategy for the local area. This SCI relates to the preparation of all of these documents, except the local development scheme (LDS). All of these documents are outlined within the diagram shown on the inside of the front cover of this SCI. A further explanation is provided within the following paragraphs. The documents fall into two distinct “types” – those that set out planning policies (policy documents) and those which will explain how the policy documents will be prepared (process documents).

4 Appendix 1

Policy Documents

2.7 Development Plan Documents (DPDs). The North Wiltshire DPDs will comprise a collection of individual documents. This will include a Core Strategy (setting out the vision, objectives and strategy for the future development of North Wiltshire) and a proposals map. There will also be a set of DPDs covering important planning topics such as housing and employment, the natural environment and community facilities. These will include site-specific allocations. These are subject to independent testing and will have the full weight of development plan status when the Council are considering planning applications.

2.8 Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs). SPDs, which are optional policy documents, may cover a range of issues, both theme-based and site specific. They will either expand policy or provide further detail to the policies within one of the DPDs. The SPDs will form part of the LDF but will not be subject to an independent examination or form part of the statutory development plan.

2.9 Many of these SPDs will have a limited geographical coverage and in such circumstances, consultation groups that clearly do not have an interest in that subject or operate within that geographical area will not be explicitly consulted.

2.10 Collectively , DPDs and SPDs are known as Local Development Documents (LDDs) for the purposes of community involvement. Further information on the DPDs and SPDs being prepared by NWDC can be found in the Local Development Scheme available on the Council’s website at www.northwilts.gov.uk or upon request from the Spatial Plans team.

Process Documents

2.11 Local Development Scheme (LDS). The LDS defines when each of the new planning documents will be produced and how this will be achieved. It provides a description of all the LDF documents, their content and the geographic area to which they relate. It also provides an indication of when each of the LDF documents will be produced and should therefore be read in close conjunction with the SCI. North Wiltshire’s LDS has been produced and is available on the Council’s website at www.northwilts.gov.uk the document is due to be updated Spring 2006.

2.12 Statement of Community Involvement (SCI). The SCI sets out HOW the District Council will involve individuals and organisations in the development plan making process and the consideration of planning applications. It will set out WHO will be consulted, WHEN and HOW you can get involved and the RESOURCES for carrying out consultation.

2.13 Annual Monitoring Report (AMR). The AMR will set out progress in terms of producing the LDF documents and implementing policies in relation to meeting the key milestones as set out in the LDS. It will be undertaken on an annual basis, with the first one produced in December 2005 and which is now available to view on our website at www.northwilts.gov.uk.

2.14 Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). The undertaking of a Sustainability Appraisal and a Strategic Environmental Assessment are mandatory and integral parts of the process of

5 Appendix 1

preparing an LDF. The purpose of the SA is to promote sustainable development by ensuring that long term economic, environmental and social issues are considered in an integrated and balanced way, during the preparation and continuing review of the LDF. The purpose of a SEA is to ensure that a proper process is followed to ensure that the consequences of major policy action are understood and that the community affected is involved in an appropriate way. Both the SA and SEA have specific requirements for consultation with the public and local organisations and these are set out in further detail below.

Optional Documents

2.15 Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs). SPDs are considered in detail above.

2.16 Area Action Plans (AAPs). AAPs focus upon implementation, providing an important mechanism for ensuring development of an appropriate scale, mix and quality for key areas. In North Wiltshire we are proposing a Rural Area Action Plan.

6 Appendix 1

3. THE NORTH WILTSHIRE COMMUNITIES – Who to consult?

3.1 Effective consultation requires us to know something about the make-up of the North Wiltshire’s community. As such, we have undertaken work to define our “community”. In addition to the numerous meetings we have undertaken, material has also been drawn from central government advice, the current Revised Deposit Local Plan 2011 process, the Community Strategy and Community Planning process and other research undertaken by the staff from the Spatial Planning team. Finally, questions were included within previous research undertaken requesting details of any bodies that we may have missed. We have now collated over 700 consultees – Appendix B contains the full list that currently comprises the North Wiltshire Community.

3.2 The Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2004 sets minimum standards for community involvement. Certain bodies must be consulted if the Local Authority considers that the body will be affected by what is proposed to be covered by an LDF document these are called “Specific Consultation Bodies” and are highlighted by coloured text within Appendix B. In addition, there are other “general consultation bodies” who might be consulted on a document if it is considered appropriate by us – all the other bodies, organisations and individuals detailed in black font and listed in Appendix B are defined as “general consultation bodies”.

3.3 Appendix B will be the first point of reference that the Council will use when determining which specific groups to be consulted in relation to each LDF document. The list has been sub-divided into categories for ease of reference and we suggest the following make up the key groups within it:

- Infrastructure Bodies - Central, Regional and Local Government and Regional Agencies - Parish and Town Councils - North Wiltshire District Council Business Areas and Partnerships - Developers, Agents and Landowners - Business and Businesses Groups - Housing Bodies, Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) and Tenant Associations - National Interest Groups - Local Interest Groups - Charities and Voluntary Bodies - General Public and Residents Associations - Hard To Reach Groups

(THE ABOVE LIST WILL BE IN A DIAGRAM IN THE FINAL DOCUMENT).

3.4 The Spatial Planning Team is committed to undertaking regular reviews of the North Wiltshire community database (Appendix B) during all consultation periods. In addition, any interested groups or bodies may contact the Spatial Planning Team by telephone, email or post to request to be added or removed from the community database. Appendix B shows the full community database at going to print. More up-to-date copies of the community database will be regularly displayed on the Council’s web site at www.northwilts.gov.uk or are available on request from the Spatial Planning Team.

7 Appendix 1

Hard to Reach Groups

3.5 In addition to the minimum standards we are proposing to increase the scope of public consultation and directly engage with the wider community including “hard to reach” groups. These groups have tended to be excluded from traditional consultation exercises and new approaches need to be explored in order to engage them.

3.6 In order to reach groups that do not normally take part in the planning process, a continual process of fostering and creating relationships is being established. Good cross-team working has been established with the Youth Involvement Development Officer at the Council and has ensured that young people are aware of what we are doing and being encouraged to get involved. We will endeavour to undertake a similar process with bodies from each of the groups listed below.

3.7 The hard to reach groups that have been identified in the North Wiltshire area are:

- People with Disabilities - Older People - Black & Minority Ethnic People - The Military - Religious Bodies - Gypsies and Travellers - Young People;

(THE ABOVE WILL BE SHOWED IN DIAGRAM FORM IN THE FINAL DOCUMENT )

3.8 Further initiatives, such as attending the meetings of the Council’s Equality and Diversity Working Group, part of whose remit is to define hard-to-reach groups, will be undertaken. We see partnership working on defining and working with hard to reach groups as key and will pursue opportunities to increase and evolve our success in involving these traditionally under-represented groups in the new planning process.

8 Appendix 1

4.0 TYPES OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE LDF - WHEN We Will Consult and HOW?

4.1 Community involvement will occur in two distinct areas; in the preparation of the LDF documents and on individual planning applications. The following section will identify the types of community involvement in the LDF documents and when this will occur. Community involvement in planning applications will be considered separately within Chapter 5.

4.2 There are a number of existing community involvement initiatives already undertaken by the Council that are intrinsically linked with the commitments set out within this SCI. This section of the report will also demonstrate how the process of community involvement for the documents making up the LDF will be linked to these existing initiatives.

4.3 The role of community involvement in the preparation of LDF documents is set out in Government guidance1. The minimum standards of involvement that the community can expect for all documents are as follows:

· Consultation periods will last for a minimum of 6 weeks. · All consultation documents and appropriate background papers will be available for viewing at: - Our offices at Monkton Park, Chippenham - Our website at www.northwilts.gov.uk - At all public libraries and information points within North Wiltshire; · Consultation periods will be advertised within the local press and on our website. These will advise on where and when consultation documents will be available, how responses can be made and the closing date for comments; · All of the consultees contained within our Community Database (Appendix B) will be sent hard copies of the consultation or informed of how they can obtain a copy. · We will work to ensure accessibility of information for all groups.

4.4 We firmly believe that further “opportunities” for community involvement and for providing information on the process exist, other than the statutory consultation periods. Accordingly, we will undertake consultation at the “opportunity” stages we have outlined in the following sections:

4.5 The methods proposed to involve different sections of the community at different stages of document preparation are outlined in the Matrix at APPENDIX C – this Appendix also provides a full explanation of each consultation medium.

4.6 We have analysed the relationship between the types of groups who responded during consultation and the methods of consultation or communication they favoured. We have found no direct relationship between the two. For this reason

1 The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, The Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2004, PPS1 – Delivering Sustainable Development, PPS12 – Local Development Frameworks, Creating Local Development Frameworks – A Companion Guide to PPS12.

9 Appendix 1

we have concluded that there is little need to employ different methods of consultation according to the intended audience. Everyone listed within the community database will be able to "pick and choose" from the wide variety of community consultation methods offered at each key stage of the LDF process. There are three exceptions in the “Hard to Reach” group category where we will offer additional audio, large print or translation services to appropriate organisations or individuals. The Methods of Communication are summarised in Appendix C.

4.7 On a general note, the Council’s Spatial Plans team are very keen to actively discuss any elements of the SCI or LDF whatever level it has reached with any interested person. Contact can be made either by telephone, email, written letter or by visiting the offices.

Links with Existing Community Initiatives

4.8 As detailed above, there are a number of existing community involvement initiatives already undertaken by the Council that are linked with the commitments set out within this SCI. It is imperative that the aims of objectives of each of these key strategies and plans are reflected within the LDF documents being produced and we will ensure that the partnership working with each of these is fostered and reflected in each DPD, SPD, the SCI and the sustainability appraisal.

4.9 The existing Council initiatives of note are as follows:

· The North Wiltshire Corporate Plan · The Wiltshire Compact · The North Wiltshire Community Strategy · Community Area Plans · North Wiltshire Communication and Consultation Strategy · North Wiltshire Media – Improving North Wiltshire, People’s Voice and Tomorrow’s Voice.

4.10 This list may expand with time. The exact details of each of these strategies and initiatives are outlined within APPENDIX D. However, in terms of linking with existing community initiatives, as a minimum, we commit to undertake the following when preparing each of the documents that make up the LDF:

· Regularly meet with representatives from those bodies responsible for producing each of the existing community initiatives/ strategies and ensure that they are fully aware of each key stage of the LDF process; · Ensure that during these meetings we are fully aware of the key aims and objectives of the groups and that we are in accordance wherever possible; · Discuss opportunities for linked-up consultation exercises wherever possible. · Swap information regarding any changes in the members/ make-up of the North Wiltshire community database; · Share information/research regarding any work undertaken in defining and

10 Appendix 1

accessing hard-to-reach groups. · We will ensure all consultation exercises accord with the aims and objectives of the North Wiltshire Corporate Plan · To ensure the important link with the community and voluntary sector is fostered and every effort is made to include them wherever possible, all future community consultation will be taken in close liaison with this sector and the Wiltshire Compact. Full use of the CVS’s newsletter ”Network – CVS North Wiltshire” (produced every two months) will be made for publishing key events/ stages of the LDF process and again presentations will be made specifically to this group at key stages. · We will foster a good working relationship with the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP), regularly attending their meetings. By working in partnership with the LSP, we are committed to identifying the relevant land-use related elements of the Community Strategy, which may be deliverable through other mechanisms, for example the DF. We will ensure that all our activities are carried out in accordance with the strategy’s objectives of better access to services and good governance and community involvement. We will endeavour that, wherever possible, public consultation relating to either process will be undertaken as one therefore avoiding an overload of consultation. · Future community engagement initiatives will be undertaken in close liaison with the five community areas. As a minimum, as key stages are reached in the preparation of the LDF documents, presentation will be made at this level. · We will ensure that all consultation and communication exercises resulting from the LDF process, accord with the aims and objectives of the North Wiltshire Communication and Consultation Strategy.

4.11 The following sections will now outline how we propose to engage the community in relation to the preparation stages of the SCI, the DPDs and SPDs, taking the DPDs first. Consideration is then given to Sustainability Appraisal.

Development Plan Documents Opportunity Stage 1 - Evidence Gathering

4.12 In order to ensure our DPDs are based on a sound foundation, a period of gathering together relevant information will be undertaken. This may be collated either from internal sources e.g. the undertaking of an Urban Capacity Study or through the involvement of specific community members such as the County Council (population information, highways details etc) or landowners/ developers if they have specific knowledge and it is considered appropriate

4.13 During this period we will ensure that there are opportunities for the wider community to become more involved. In particular, we will:

· notify all groups considered relevant, as well as all the statutory consultees, via letter and email where available, when any new study or survey is about to be undertaken which will support the LDF process; · update our website accordingly;

11 Appendix 1

· publicise on our website and release a press release when any new study or survey is about to be undertaken which will support the LDF process; · detail on our website how the research will be undertaken, by whom and if there are any opportunities for public involvement – particularly for the community to raise issues that they wish to be particularly considered when the research is undertaken; · ensure that the outputs from any exercise are available to the community and we will publish when they are available on our website; · ensure that any published technical evidence complies with the provisions of the Data Protection Act; · make sure that details of any proposed exercises, any future exercises to be undertaken, summaries of their results and where the results are available from will be detailed within the regular Spatial Planning Team Newsletter which will be issued at key stages; · make full use of the Council’s media to publish details of any information gathering exercise, particularly the regularly published document, “Improving North Wiltshire”.

Opportunity Stage 2 - Early Community Involvement

4.14 It is intended that we will promote a “bottom-up” approach, where the community will be able to have the most influence at the earliest possible opportunity. This will be best achieved by generating interest and awareness of issues and involvement opportunities.

4.15 As indicated above, the community will be fully encouraged to become involved in the evidence gathering stage. As a result of this issues, opportunities and constraints will be identified and these will need to be addressed ensuring the community set the agenda. Accordingly, at this stage we will do the following:

· Details of any required community initiatives will be publicised on our website and letters/emails sent to members of the community database if required; · Depending on the issues raised this may involve “one to ones” with any member of the community so wishing to ensure a full understanding of the key issues.

4.16 In addition, this stage in the DPD’s preparation is seen as an opportunity to undertake more open/wider consultation seeking to gather the wider community view and ensure this is embedded into the DPD. At this stage this could include the following:

· focused questionnaires seeking views on particular issues; · the holding of forums for particular groups; · undertaking “Planning for Real” exercises; · holding public exhibitions; · actively seeking the involvement of the hard-to-reach groups such as through

12 Appendix 1

the use of “specialist sessions” where appropriate; · full use to be made of external media sources, both broadcasting and written to publicise issues/ generate interest; · full use to be made of the Council’s internal media mediums as outlined above.

Opportunity Stage 3 - Issues and Options

4.17 Again, at this stage various techniques will be used and different groups targeted – flexibility will be employed to take account of the type of DPD.

4.18 By this stage in the process a wide variety of issues, options and constraints will have emerged through the earlier two stages outlined above. At this stage we will:

· Bring together all of the issues identified in Opportunity Stages 1 and 2 in an Issues Report. Informal consultation on the Report will be undertaken and any comments received will be fully considered and taken into account before progressing to the next stage. Informal consultation will take the form of notifying community members via letter/email of the report and updating our website accordingly stating, inter alia, when and how comments can be made. · A Spatial Planning Team Newsletter will be produced, informing the community of the key issues and options that have emerged through the initial two stages of the DPD’s production. A questionnaire will be included to gain views on the Issues and gauge support for potential forums. · Posters may be sent to all local libraries and information points. The Council will experiment with also sending such information to all leisure centres and large supermarkets within the district. · Depending on the scale of issues raised, we may hold a series of forums where community members with an expressed interest in the particular issues can attend and determine the issues they believe should be taken forward to the Preferred Options Stage. Again, the use of external facilitators may be considered, whether appropriate. · Depending on the timetable for each of the DPDs, it may be appropriate (both time and resource wise) to hold combined forums for more than one DPD at any one time. · At the end of every Council run forum, public exhibition, Planning for Real Exercise or specialist session, we will issue feedback forms asking for participants for their views on the consultation exercise and how things could/should have been improved – this information will then be feed-back into any future events. · At every consultation exercise and or correspondence with the community, we will state the current stage of the document; its importance and the next stages in its development.

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Opportunity Stage 4 - Preferred Options

4.19 Unlike the previous stages of the preparation process, the Preferred Option stage is the first formal consultation period, which is covered by specific Government regulations. By this time in the document’s preparation, a preferred option should have been established and this will have been drawn up as a series of proposals. At this stage, we will:

· produce a report identifying the Preferred Option. This will also detail the alternative options and set out reasons why these have not been carried forward.

4.20 In addition to the minimum standards set out above, during the formal consultation period, we will endeavour to;

· produce a Spatial Planning Team Newsletter informing the Community of the preferred option; · attend and address as many of the interested bodies/ group’s regular meetings (where a positive response has been received to our request to attend) as possible. This could include attending the area committee meetings, meetings of the LSP, addressing the North Wiltshire’s Young People’s Council, meeting the CVS etc; · ensure the community will be able to make representations on the report and these will be fully considered before progressing to the next stage; · notify, by letter and/or email, our response to all those who made representations. We will also update our website accordingly.

Opportunity Stage 5 - Submission of the DPD to the Secretary of State (SoS)

4.21 Following the steps above, the DPD will be formally submitted to the SoS. This stage will focus on the formal consultation methods as set out as minimum standards within the Regulations. Accordingly, we will:

· publish a notice and invite formal representations to be made within a specified period of six weeks; · notify, by letter and/or email, the current position to all those who make representations. We will also update our website accordingly; · Where any representations include proposals for alternative site allocations, are received, we must publish them for a further 6 week consultation period.

4.22 The Inspector will at this point consider the conformity of the DPD preparation process with the Council’s SCI. If it fails to comply, the DPD may have to be withdrawn.

4.23 At this stage, it will be up to the discretion of the Inspector to decide the scale, type and nature of consultation as well as the timescale for participation on the independent examination.

4.24 Details and timescale will be made available at the Pre-Inquiry meeting.

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Opportunity Stage 6 – Post-Submission

4.25 Following the Independent Examination, the Inspector will prepare a report advising of any changes to the DPD which are considered appropriate. The Inspector’s Report will be binding on the Council who will amend the DPD on the basis of this report and within the earliest possible date after receipt of the report. A six week period for legal challenge exists at this stage, after which the DPD can be adopted and formally incorporated into the LDF.

4.26 At this stage we will:

· notify, by letter and/or email, our response to all those who made representations. We will also update our website accordingly including publishing the Inspector’s report and all modifications to the DPD as a result; · If considered appropriate, a Spatial Planning Team Newsletter may be issued, particularly if two or more documents are going forward at the same time.

Supplementary Planning Documents

Opportunities Stages 1 and 2 (Evidence Gathering and Early Community Involvement and Issues and Options)

4.27 In terms of the first two Opportunity stages, community involvement will normally follow the same processes used for the DPDs as set out above.

Opportunity Stage 3 – Publish Draft SPD

4.28 Having undertaken the information gathering exercise of the above stage, a draft SPD will be published. At this stage we will:

· Inform Members of the community database of this stage by way of a letter and/or email. Our website will also be updated accordingly. · Use will be made of both internal and external media sources to publicise the situation. · Posters may be sent to all local libraries and information points. The Council will experiment with also sending such information to all leisure centres and large supermarkets within the district · Hold if appropriate a series of forums where community members, particularly those with an expressed interest in the particular issues can attend and determine the issues they believe should be taken forward within the adopted document and help develop policies. The use of external facilitators may be considered for the running of these forums. · Issue, If considered appropriate, a Spatial Planning Team Newsletter, particularly if two or more documents are going forward at the same time. · At the end of every Council run forum, public exhibition, Planning for Real

15 Appendix 1

Exercise or specialist session, we will issue feedback forms asking for participants for their views on the consultation exercise and how things could/should have been improved – this information will then be feed-back into any future events · At every consultation exercise and or correspondence with the community, we will state the current stage of the document; its importance and the next stages in its development.

Opportunity Stage 4 – Formal Public Participation

4.29 This is the one formal public participation period when we are required, as a minimum, to publish (both in hard copy and electronically) the draft document for formal public participation and invite representations together with a statement setting out how consultation was undertaken and the main issues emerging. Representations will be considered during a 4-6 week period (government regulation requires that the consultation period can be no longer than this). The consultation will follow the requirements set out at paragraph 4.3 above. However, in addition to the minimum requirements, we will:

· Attend any meetings of the organisation/groups or bodies making up the community members; · Consider offering forums and “specialists” sessions where appropriate; · Make full use of both the internal and external media methods for publicising the position.

Opportunity Stage 5 – Adoption

4.30 After this period, we will amend the draft SPD according to appropriate representations received. We will then adopt the document when we will:

· Send a letter and/or email to all those who have made representations, explaining what we have done in relation to their comments; · Make available on the Council’s website and at the Council’s offices, libraries and other information points, copies of the amended adopted document; · If necessary, produce a Spatial Planning Team Newsletter to accompany the adopted document and explain its content.

Statement of Community Involvement

Opportunity Stages 1 and 2

Both of these stages in the preparation of the SCI have now been completed and details of the community involvement at both stages are contained within the “Community Engagement in Preparing the SCI” report.

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Opportunity Stage 3 – Submission to the Secretary of State

4.31 Having now considered the representations received and amended the SCI accordingly will be submitted to the SoS for an Independent Examination. At submission stage, there will be a formal six week period for final representations to be made.

4.32 It is expected that the Independent Examination, which is anticipated to take place during 2006, will take the form of written representations which will be considered by an independent Inspector. However, persons or organisations wishing to appear in person can request a public session.

4.33 The Inspector will consider all representation received. The final version of the document will then be tested for soundness. The Inspector will then publish a report with recommendations. The Inspector’s recommendations will be binding.

4.34 In addition to the minimum requirements at this stage, we will also make full use of internal and external media and our website to publicise the position.

Opportunity Stage 4 – Post-Submission

4.35 Upon receipt of the Inspector’s report, the SCI will be amended accordingly and adopted on the basis of the Inspector’s requirements unless the SoS intervenes. At this stage we will:

· Publish the Inspector’s Report, the amended SCI and the final, adopted SCI on our website and make available a hard copy of the document at the Council offices, libraries and other information points; · We will write and/or email all members of our community database informing them of the position. We will update our website accordingly.

Sustainability Appraisal (SA)

4.36 Although not a LDD, involving the community in the SA process is an important factor in the ultimate success of individual DPDs. As with DPDs, the SA has to be submitted to the SoS once completed for examination at the same time as the main document itself.

4.37 In addition to the Government’s requirement for a SA, recent European legislation also requires that an assessment of the significant environmental effects of the LDF should also be undertaken through an Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). The requirement’s to carry out a SA and a SEA are distinct however, the Government in its draft SA guidance makes it clear that they can be combined into a single process, providing the requirements of both processes is met. This report has consequently combined the SA and SEA processes. For ease of reference, however, this report will refer to both processes as Sustainability Appraisal (SA).

4.38 The Regulations indicate that there are four key stages for community involvement in the preparation of the SA. These are:

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· Setting the context, objectives and baseline (District Wide) · Scoping Report (District Wide) · Assessing alternative strategies (individual DPDs) · Assessing the preferred option (individual DPDs)

Opportunity Stage 1 – Context, Objectives and Baseline

4.39 We will work together with members of our community, adjacent local authorities and other established groups such as the LSP and the Wiltshire Compact to identify and develop a series of sustainable development objectives for North Wiltshire.

4.40 In relation to the gathering of baseline information, this will be collated at a national, regional and local level and will involve technical consultations with appropriate members of the community. Wherever possible work will be co- ordinated with the Evidence Gathering stage of the DPDs. At this stage we will provide a broad overview of the current environmental, social and economic position so that the key sustainability issues/sensitive areas can be established.

4.41 To establish the context for the LDF it will involve identifying all relevant plans, programmes and environmental objectives from the national to the local level. The plans and programmes will be reviewed to identify relationships/conflicts with the LDF process.

4.42 As part of the SA process, consultation is crucial, particularly at this early stage of production. Consultation at the start of and throughout the SA process will provide a means of reaching consensus among community groups regarding the criteria by which the acceptability of the LDF can be assessed. Accordingly, at this stage we will undertake consultation similar to that undertaken for the DPDs at Opportunity Stage 1 – Evidence Gathering.

Opportunity Stage 2 – Scoping Report

4.43 The Scoping Report will set out the conclusions from the first stage. Certain environmental bodies must be consulted on the scope of the SA, these include; the Environment Agency; the Countryside Agency; English Nature and English Heritage. However, we believe this stage should be the subject of wider consultation than that required by the Regulations. We will therefore endeavour to raise awareness of the document and generate interest by:

· Publicising information in the local press and using the Council’s internal media to promote the document as well as detailing within the Spatial Planning Team Newsletter. · The report will be distributed to appropriate community members for their consideration · The report will be available for inspection at the Council offices, public

18 Appendix 1

information points and electronically via our website · One to ones will be held with community members on the document’s content if considered appropriate or specifically requested. · As with the draft SCI, questions will be asked throughout the document in order to gain the views of users and ensure the appropriateness of the document.

Opportunity Stage 3 – Assessing Alternative Strategies (Individual DPDs)

4.44 We will seek to integrate consultation on the assessment of alternatives for the SA with consultation on issues and options for individual DPDs.

4.45 Consultation at this stage will incorporate similar methods to those used at Opportunity Stage 3 of the DPDs – Issues and Options.

4.46 The responses received in respect of the Scoping Report will be reviewed and any key issues that have been highlighted or any necessary actions that need to be undertaken will be addressed. The SA process will result in the recommendation of the most sustainable option. We will identify the impacts of the options to be implemented and mitigation measures to minimise these when they are implemented.

Opportunity Stage 4 – Assessing the Preferred Option (Individual DPDs)

4.47 Following the choice of a preferred option based on any representations/discussions had at Stage 3, an SA Report will be produced for each DPD. The relationship between the two documents would be clearly indicated. The community will have the opportunity for public comment concurrent with the publication of the Preferred Options report for each of the DPDs.

4.48 As for DPDs, there is a requirement for formal consultation at this stage. Consultation on the SA report will follow the same methods as those detailed for the Preferred Options stage of the DPDs above therefore enabling the community opportunity to make representations on the assessment of alternatives and the preferred option at this stage.

4.49 We will consider and respond to each representation made in relation to the draft environmental report. If appropriate amendments will then be made.

4.50 The final report will be submitted with its related DPD to the SoS. Although the SA is not subject to an independent examination at this stage, the inspector will test its compliance with relevant current guidelines as part of the testing of soundness of the individual DPDs.

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5. TYPES OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Promoting and Encouraging Community Involvement

5.1 The Development Control section of the Council is responsible for dealing with planning applications in North Wiltshire. Some applications, such as those relating to minerals or waste are dealt with by Wiltshire County Council. Planning applications received are divided into 3 categories – major developments (for example residential schemes for more than 10 dwellings or large commercial developments), minor developments (for example up to 9 dwellings) and other applications (for example house extensions and changes of use). The Council recognises that there is benefit in involving the community in the planning process. The level of involvement will vary depending on the nature of the individual application. The following sets out the extensive steps already undertaken to promote and encourage involvement on each planning application:

· Details of each application received are displayed on our website. The website offers an online search facility to enable anyone to search for planning applications by the application address, town/parish or by application number. This facility also gives information on the date that comments should be received by and allows comments to be submitted electronically. When the application has been determined, details of the decision, including the reason and any conditions attached are shown. This information dates from 1999 onwards. · A weekly list of all applications received is produced. This is emailed to a list of people who have registered and other organisations such as local libraries. This list is also available on our web site and a hard copy is kept in the Council Office reception for people to view. · All planning applications are publicised using site notices and/or neighbour notification letters. A period of 21 days is given for responses to be received. · The Town/Parish Council is sent details of every application including copies of plans for consultation. They are given 21 days to respond, or longer by agreement. · District Councillors receive e-mail notifications when an application has been registered in their ward. They are given information about the proposal, Planning Officer name and contact and a date by which comments need to be received. · A text message or email alert facility is available to anyone who might be interested in receiving notifications when applications are received in their parish or ward. · All planning applications are published in the weekly local press – the Wiltshire Gazette and Herald, and, where appropriate, the Wilts and Gloucester Standard. This is over and above the legal requirements, but the Council recognises the benefits that this brings to the community. · Statutory consultations are carried out on many applications with bodies such as Wiltshire County Council (highways, archaeology, strategic, planning, footpaths, education issues) and the regional offices of English Heritage (important listed building/conservation area/ancient monument issues) and

20 Appendix 1

English Nature. · Local non-statutory bodies are also consulted where appropriate. These can offer valuable observations and advice. Examples of these bodies include the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, various Civic Trusts, Wiltshire Historic Monument Society etc. Who the Council will consult will vary with the nature of the proposal and the location. These consultees are also given 21 days to comment. · All representations received on planning applications are acknowledged, and they are sent details of the final decision made, including details of any conditions or reasons for refusal. They are also notified if the application is to be determined at the Development Control Committee (DCC). This letter is sent one week before the meeting.

NOTE: Applications relating to Listed Building Consent, Certificates of Lawful Use (existing) and Advertisement consent are publicised in the same manner as planning applications described above. Applications for works to trees covered by Tree Preservation Orders or within Conservation Areas are notified to the local (town or Parish) Council only.

The Council’s Delegation Scheme

5.2 The Council has an extensive scheme of delegation to satisfy the Government’s requirement for decisions to be made speedily and efficiently. This scheme is regularly reviewed by Councillors to ensure that it remains appropriate. However, the scheme ensures that the DCC considers those applications of most interest/relevance to the local community. This includes:

· Applications where 5 or more letters of objection have been received and the recommendation is to approve the proposal; · Applications where the local Ward Member has requested, with a planning reason, that the application be determined at DCC and has been seconded by another Member; · Any application that is a departure from the North Wiltshire Local Plan; and · Where the Council is the landowner or the applicant is a member of staff or a District Councillor.

Information and Advice

5.3 Customer Focus Team are available to answer general enquiries relating to planning applications and the planning process. They can be contacted on 01249 706444 or alternatively you can visit the office between 9am and 5pm Mondays to Thursday and 9am to 4.30pm Fridays. The team will be happy to help with any enquiry.

5.4 Each Planning application is allocated to a named development control officer. This officer determines what consultations are to be carried out on the application, visits each site and collates and assesses the responses received. The Officer assesses the proposal against current policies (both national and local) and prepares a written report and recommendation. If a decision on the application is

21 Appendix 1

delegated it is passed to a more senior officer before a decision is issued. If it is not to be delegated then the report is presented to the Development Control Committee and the Members of that Committee take a decision. Officers are available to applicants, Councillors, Town and Parish Councils and any interested third parties to discuss any specific issues that may arise from a planning proposal.

Councillors

5.5 Each Councillor represents a ward within the District Council. Some Councillors are asked to serve on the Development Control Committee. This involves balancing the representation of the needs and interests of individual constituents and the community, with the need to maintain an ethic of impartial decision- making on what can be highly controversial proposals.

5.6 Your ward member can, along with another Councillor, ask for a planning decision to be taken by the Development Control Committee (refer to scheme of delegation). All members can attend the committee and make views known on any application.

5.7 Councillors are also involved in developing broader planning policy. A member of the Executive is normally appointed the Lead Member for Planning Policy and will work with officers to recommend the other members of the Executive what policies the Council should adopt.

5.8 Ward Councillors are routinely consulted on Planning Applications and Planning Policy issues and can give you advice about ensuring your views are taken into account.

Development Control Committee (DCC)

5.9 DCC meetings are held approximately every three weeks at the Council offices at Monkton Park. The agenda is published one week before the meeting and is sent to Town/Parish Councils and is available on the website along with the officer’s report.

5.10 The Council promotes public speaking at the DCC. Members of the public are given 3 minutes to address committee. There is a maximum total of 6 minutes public speaking per item. The Parish/Town Council and the Local Ward Member are also given the opportunity to give their views verbally before any debate takes place.

Future Improvements to Community Involvement in Planning Applications

5.11 To promote further community involvement in the planning application process we intend to:

· ‘Mystery shop’ our services. This will initially involve looking at the website with a view to extending this to the service provided on the telephone and in reception to help improve accessibility to the planning service. · Continue holding regular feedback sessions with agents to help inform future services improvements. These will continue on a 6 monthly basis.

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· Holding training events with Town and Parish Councils to help them understand the planning process and engage them in decision making. These events enable us to gain valuable feedback on how we can improve the service. These will continue owing to the benefits such services bring. · Undertake regular feedback exercises with all customers using, for example, questionnaires, forms and telephone surveys.

Major Applications

5.12 Major applications, for the purposes of the SCI, are defined as being residential developments of 10 or more houses and proposals for 1000 sq. metres of floorspace or with site areas greater than 1 hectare in size. Also any application that is likely to prove controversial in nature. Applications of this size will be considered to have met an SCI threshold and the requirements set out below should be followed.

5.13 Major applications are likely to generate more local interest over a wider area than minor applications. Therefore we consider that there should be a greater public involvement at an early stage in the decision making process as outlined below and detailed in Table 1 at APPENDIX E which sets out the suggested level of consultation to be undertaken for various types of application and establishes an indicative framework for those applications which should be subject to wider community involvement.

5.14 The Council is prepared to engage in pre-application discussions with a developer that are ‘in confidence’ and ‘without prejudice’ as detailed in the following paragraphs. Any developer in turn will be encouraged to undertake community consultation, with the Council taking the role of a ‘watching brief’. The results of this pre-application consultation would then form part of the submitted planning application. Whilst pre-application consultation is encouraged, it is not a legislative requirement and the fact that no consultation has been undertaken is not, in itself, a reason to invalidate or refuse an application. However, failure to consult with relevant organisations or sections of the community may result in issues not being resolved which could lead to a delay in dealing with any subsequent application or a refusal.

5.15 Whilst the views of the local community are important in the preparation of development proposals and determining planning applications it is only one of the many considerations that have to be taken into account. The Planning Policies that apply at the time of the application (Nationally, Regionally and Locally through the LDF) will provide the framework against which proposals are assessed.

Pre- Application Discussion

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5.16 Pre-application Discussions are encouraged for all types of application – major, minor and others. The objective of pre-application discussions should be to confirm whether the principle of development is acceptable and to clarify the format, type and level of detail required to enable us to determine an application. For Major applications it will also enable the applicant to discuss with us details of how the community should be involved in the decision making process.

5.17 It is recognised that at the very early stages of considering a development proposal applicants may wish for any discussions with us to be confidential. However, applicants are encouraged to involve the local community as early as possible in the process of preparing their proposals.

5.18 For application proposals on sites allocated in the LDF, applicants will be encouraged to prepare development briefs in consultation with us.

5.19 We will make available an appropriately experienced Planning Officer to discuss proposals at a preliminary meeting within 3 weeks of receiving contact from a potential applicant considering submission of a major application. At that initial meeting the officer will aim to give:

· advice on the information likely to be required to support the application; · information on the application process itself; · informal comments such as the extent to which the proposal complies with policy; and · targets for a more formal response.

5.20 This initial meeting will also be the opportunity to discuss with us a programme for community involvement. This will:

· Identify the groups and individuals that should be involved; · Identify the methods of consultation to be used, with the aim of genuine dialogue, particularly considering hard-to-reach groups. · Set a timetable for involvement, including the timing of consultation in relation to the development; · Establish how the feedback from consultation will be provided; and · Discuss how the feedback from the consultation exercises will be incorporated into the development proposal.

5.21 The level of community involvement agreed will reflect the scale and complexity of the proposal. The programme should be made widely available, providing clearly articulated opportunities for continuing community involvement. As guidance and experience of effective methods of community engagement are gained, these can be feed into engagement techniques for future schemes.

5.22 Whilst we should be kept informed of what pre-submission consultations are proposed and undertaken the actual events will be the responsibility of the applicant. We will remain impartial, without prejudicing the determination of any

24 Appendix 1

subsequent application.

5.23 We will expect an applicant to provide evidence, with the submission of any major planning application, setting out how the community has been involved. This should outline what has been carried out and how the results of the exercise have been taken into account in the submitted application.

5.24 It may be appropriate for a ‘project team’ to be assembled. This will enable early advice to be sought, not only from the development control section, but also from, for example, spatial plans, conservation, urban design, landscape and highways (Wiltshire County Council).

6.0 Reviewing and Resourcing the SCI

25 Appendix 1

Reviewing

6.1 The Council’s Spatial Planning Team will hold the main responsibility for the work involved in undertaking community involvement for the LDF. Accordingly, reviewing of the document will also fall within this team’s remit. However, as relationships with other key bodies develop, such groups will have an increasingly important role to play in the community engagement process. The Council’s Development Control section will lead on all community involvement on major planning applications.

· We will actively monitor the success of community involvement techniques, ensuring that the procedures for involving the community are achieving a representative level and that they are making best use of resources. This monitoring review will occur within the Council’s Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) which will assess the extent to which the SCI is being successfully implemented. The AMR will identify the key challenges and opportunities to the SCI enabling adjustments and revisions to be made. The AMR will be undertaken on an annual basis with the first one programmed to be produced by the end of December 2005.

· Following any review, a report will be produced outlining any findings. If such a review proposes changes these will be considered by the Council through the committee process. We will then use the findings to refine methods in the future wherever required. Community Involvement will be measured by assessing:

- How successfully the community and other interested groups are able to find information on the LDF documents; - The level of involvement of “hard to reach” groups; and - Respondents’ satisfaction with the council’s overall consultation standards

Resources

6.2 The resources that will be made available to provide and support the LDF process will comprise principally the staff from within the Spatial Planning Team and such other officers from within the Planning Services Business Area and other Business Areas as required. Such support will relate to issues of housing, economic development, countryside, environmental health, community strategy, urban design and historic buildings. Staff resources within the Spatial Plans Team currently comprises 4 permanent Planning Officers (1 Team Leader and 3 other Officers) and one part time Planning Officer.

6.3 The development control element of the SCI will be implemented by staff from the development control team. This currently consists of a Team Leader, two Principal Planning Officers; three Listed Building Officers; One Trees and Landscape Officer; three Senior Planning Officers and seven Planning Officers. There is also a Customer Focus team, comprising 21 members of staff, who provide the necessary support for the running of the planning team.

6.4 Specialist consultants may be used to provide parts of the process, in particular the “Evidence Gathering” stage and also possibly providing training sessions / specialist sessions and forums where required.

26 Appendix 1

6.5 Resources will be monitored and reviewed in accordance with the Council’s annually published Corporate Priorities and the rolling three year Planning Services Business Plan.

6.6 In addition to the normal staff budget and also in addition to the recurring budget available for undertaking LDF tasks, NWDC has reserved financial resources from the Government ‘s Planning Delivery Grant 2003/04 that was awarded to this Authority.

6.7 Generally, resources for the delivery of planning services will be monitored and reviewed in the Council’s annually published Corporate Management Plan. Information from the review process set out above will be used to inform the balance between resources/community involvement techniques that can be made available. The SCI will be reviewed if there is a substantial discrepancy between the resources available and the requirements of the SCI that cannot be accommodated within the likely budget of the Council for delivering planning services.

7.0 WHAT NEXT FOR THE SCI?

27 Appendix 1

7.1 The SCI is now placed on public consultation for a six week period from April to May 2006. This is your last formal opportunity to make your views on the SCI known to us.

7.2 At the same time as the document is placed on deposit, the document is being formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate under Regulation 28 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2004 when it will be tested for its soundness by a Government appointed Inspector. He/she will also consider whether it satisifes the statutory requirements for its preparation.

7.3 The Inspector will consider the content of the SCI against 9 key tests2. It is the responsibility of local authorities to ensure their SCI is sound before submitting to the Planning Inspectorate. In order to demonstrate the soundness of our SCI, we have undertaken our own assessment of how our SCI meets the PPS12 soundness tests – this can be found at Appendix F. Having undertaken this analysis, we are satisfied that all key tests have been met.

7.4 During the 6 week consultation period, any representations received will be forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate for the Inspector’s consideration. It is expected that most SCIs will be examined by written representation. However, there is a right to attend the examination and be heard and, where necessary, a formal public examination will be arranged by the Planning Inspectorate.

7.5 The Inspector will then publish his report with recommendations on how the document should be amended. This report will be binding on the Council. The Council will then formally adopted the document.

7.6 If you have any queries about this document or any other aspects of the LDF you can contact the Spatial Plans Team on 01249 706 444 or email on [email protected]

7.7 Additionally, if you should wish to be formally notified of the publication of the recommendations of the Inspector after the examination of this SCI or informed that the SCI has been formally adopted, or both, please contact us by using any of the methods identified above.

7.8 Data Protection Notice: Personal information given on any representations will only be used by North Wiltshire District Council in connection with the North Wiltshire Local Development Framework and will not be used for any other purpose.

2 As detailed within paragraph 3.10, PPS 12 – Local Development Frameworks.

28 Appendix 1

Appendices

29 Appendix 1

Appendix A – Our Consultation Promise

We will communicate effectively with you by:

· making the purpose of our consultation clear and explaining what the community will be able to influence;

· sending the right information to the right person, at the right time in a clear, concise and simple language. With consultation material made available in accessible formats including braille, large print or audio;

· creating and maintaining an accurate database of key contacts to whom information should be sent;

· providing sufficient resources to facilitate appropriate community involvement;

· using the right mix of communication methods to reach the right people in the right way e.g. printed literature, websites, media relations, events, branding and using accessible locations;

· taking account of hard to reach groups including: people with disabilities, black and minority ethnic groups, religious bodies, young people, older people, the military, gypsies and travellers, and rural needs when organising meetings and consultation initiatives.

· analysing carefully the results of the consultation and reporting back on the views that are received and feeding back on what has been done as a result;

· evaluating consultation with a view to developing and spreading best practice and achieving better policy outcomes.

The full version of “The Wiltshire Compact – Code of Practice on Communication and Consultation” can be viewed on the North Wiltshire web site at: http://www.northwilts.gov.uk/index/community/wiltshire_compact.htm

30 Appendix 1

Appendix B – NWDC Community Database Key

1. Infrastructure Major infrastructure providers example - British Gas

2. Central, Regional & Local Government, Regional Agencies Government bodies and departments at central, regional and local level; example - GOSW (Government Office of the South West)

3. Parish & Town Councils Parish and Town Councils within North Wiltshire and adjacent Districts; example - Ashton Keynes Parish Council

4. North Wiltshire Business Areas & Partnerships Internal North Wiltshire Departments, Business Areas and Associated Partnerships; example -Community & Environment – Housing Team

5. Developers, Agents & Landowners Land developers, agents and large landowners; example - White Young Green

6. Businesses & Business Groups Small and large businesses including business groups; example – Calne Chamber of Commerce

7. Housing Bodies, RSL & Tenant Associations Organisations associated with housing provision; example - Westlea Housing Association

8. National Interest Groups Large National Interest Groups; example - Forestry Commission

9. Local Interest Groups Local Interest Groups or local branches of national and regional interest groups; example - North Wiltshire Friends of the Earth

10. Charities & Voluntary Bodies Charities and Voluntary bodies within North Wiltshire; example - Community First

11. General Public & Residents Associations

12. Hard to Reach Groups Groups that have been identified as having specific needs and concerns but do not normally become involved; example – Young People

31 Appendix 1

Appendix B – NWDC Community Database

The Spatial Planning Team is committed to undertaking regular reviews of the North Wiltshire community database during all consultation periods. In addition, any interested groups or bodies may contact the Spatial Planning Team by telephone, email or post to request to be added or removed from the community database. Appendix B shows the full community database at going to print (Specific organisations are marked in Green). More up-to-date copies of the community database will be regularly displayed on the Council’s web site at www.northwilts.gov.uk. Or it is available on request from the Spatial Planning Team.

1. Infrastructure Health Authority

Buses and Coaches Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Strategic Health Authority Alexcars Ltd Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Andybus & Coach Ltd Trust Office APL Travel Bath Coaches Education Authority, Secondary Schools Coachstyle Ltd & Colleges Ellison’s Coaches Faresaver Buses Abbeyfield School, Chippenham First Buses (Somerset & Avon) Bradon Forest School, Purton First Buses (Bath) Broad Town Pre-School Hatts Coaches Burton Hill School Phoenix Hire (UK) Ltd Corsham Secondary School, Corsham Seagers Coaches Corsham School Stagecoach (Swindon & District) Hardenhuish School, Chippenham John Bentley School, Calne Rail Infrastructure Malmesbury Secondary School, Malmesbury Sevington School Project BRB (Residuary) Ltd Sheldon School, Chippenham Direct Rail Service Springfield School, Calne English Welsh and Scottish Railway St Marys, Calne Freightliner Wootton Bassett Secondary School, First Great Western Trains Wootton Bassett GB Railfreight Wiltshire College, Calne Network Rail Wiltshire College, Chippenham Thames Trains Wiltshire College, Corsham South West Trains Wiltshire College, Lackham Wessex Trains Wiltshire College, Malmesbury Wiltshire County Council (LEA) Telecommunications Companies Services British Telecom Hutshintons 3G Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority MM02 (BT Cellnet) Wiltshire Fire Brigade NTL (Cable) Wiltshire Police Authority NTL Networks Westlea Police Station Orange Mobile T-Mobile Power Companies Telewest Vodaphone British Gas Properties Bristol Energy Generation British Gas

32 Appendix 1

Innogy Historic Buildings and Monuments National Grid Property Commission for England (English Heritage National Grid Wireless South West Region) Sainsbury’s Energy Regen, South West Scottish Southern Electric South West Regional Assembly Southern Electricity PLC (Pylons) SWRDA (South West Regional Development SWALEC Agency) SWEB SWRDA (Wiltshire & Swindon) Wales and West Utilities Ltd Sport England, South West of England Western Power Distribution Regional Office South West Tourism Water & Sewage Providers The Environment Agency (North Wessex Area) Thames Water Utilities The Countryside Agency (South West Wessex Water Region)

Transport Local Government

Road Haulage Association Southern and North Wiltshire Conservative Party Eastern Region North Wiltshire District Councillors Wiltshire County Council, Transport North Wiltshire Green Party North Wiltshire Labour Party North Wiltshire Liberal Democrats 2. Central, Regional & Local Government, Regional Agencies Adjacent Authorities

Central Government Forward Planning, Cotswold District Council Forward Planning Group, Swindon Borough DEFRA Council Department for Culture, Media and Sport Forward Planning Team, Kennet District Department for Education and Skills Council Department of Constitutional Affairs Forward Planning, West Wiltshire District Department of Health Council Department of Trade and Industry Forward Planning, Wiltshire County Council Department of Work and Pensions Local Plans Team, South Gloucestershire Home Office Council Highways Agency Planning Policy Team, Bath and North East Office of Government Commerce Somerset Council Property Services Agency Planning Unit, Gloucestershire County The Planning Inspectorate Council

Regional Government Tourist Information

GOSW (Government Office of the South Calne Visitor & Community Information West) Centre Chippenham Tourist Information Centre Regional Agencies Corsham Tourist Information & Heritage Centre CABE Cricklade Visitor Information Point Commission for New Towns and English Malmesbury Tourist Information Partnerships Wootton Bassett Tourist Information Culture South West English Nature (Wiltshire Team)

33 Appendix 1

3. Parish & Town Councils Purton Parish Council Seagry Parish Council North Wiltshire Sherston Parish Council Sopworth Parish Council Calne Town Council Stanton St. Quintin Parish Council Chippenham Town Council St. Paul Malmesbury Without Parish Council Cricklade Town Council Sutton Benger Parish Council Corsham Town Council Tockenham Parish Council Malmesbury Town Council Yatton Keynell Parish Council Wootton Bassett Town Council Adjacent Parishes Ashton Keynes Parish Council Biddestone Parish Council Swindon Borough Box Parish Council Braydon Parish Council Blunsdon St Andrew Parish Council Bremhill Parish Council Castle Eaton Parish Council Brinkworth Parish Council Haydon Wick Parish Council Broad Town Parish Council Wroughton Parish Council Brokenborough Parish Council Calne Without Parish Council Bath & North East Somerset Castle Combe Parish Council Charlton Parish Council Batheaston Parish Council Cherhill Parish Council Bathford Parish Council Chippenham Without Parish Council Christian Malford Parish Council Cotswold District Council Clyffe Pypard Parish Council Colerne Parish Council Ashley Parish Council Compton Bassett Parish Council Didmartin Parish Council Crudwell Parish Council Down Ampney Parish Council Dauntsey Parish Council Driffield Parish Council Easton Grey Parish Council Fairford Town Council Great Somerford Parish Council Kemble and Ewen Parish Council Grittleton Parish Council Kempsford Parish Council Hankerton Parish Council Long Newnton Parish Council Heddington Parish Council Meysey Hampton Parish Council Hilmarton Parish Council Poole Keynes Parish Council Hullavington Parish Council Rodmarton Parish Council Kington Langley Parish Council Shipton Moyne Parish Council Kington St. Michael Parish Council Somerford Keynes Parish Council Lacock Parish Council South Cerney Parish Council Langley Burrell Without Parish Council Westonbirt with Lasborough Parish Council Latton Parish Council Lea and Cleverton Parish Council South Gloucestershire Leigh Parish Council Little Somerford Parish Council Acton Turville Parish Council Luckington Parish Council Badminton Parish Council Lydiard Millicent Parish Council Marshfield Parish Council Lydiard Tregoz Parish Council Tormarton Parish Council Lyneham and Bradenstoke Parish Council Marston Meysey Parish Council West Wiltshire Minety Parish Council Nettleton Parish Council Atworth Parish Council North Wraxall Parish Council Melksham Without Parish Council Norton and Foxley Parish Council Monkton Farleigh Parish Council Oaksey Parish Council South Wraxall Parish Council

34 Appendix 1

DPDS Consulting Group Kennet Enfusion Fielder & Jones Avebury Parish Council Fisher German Berwick Bassett Parish Council GMB Drafting Bishops Cannings Parish Council GVA Grimley Broad Hinton & Winterbourne Bassett Parish Hunter Page Planning Ltd Council Jones Day Bromham Parish Council John Lippitt Chartered Architects Heddington Parish Council Land Development and Planning Winterbourn Monkton Parish Council Consultants LF Replacement Windows LPC (Trull) Ltd 4. North Wiltshire Business Areas & Mason Richards Planning Partnerships Paul & Company Peacock & Smith North Wiltshire Business Areas Pegasus Planning Group Premier Design (Wiltshire) Ltd Community & Environment – Community Robert Hitchins Ltd Partnership RPS Swindon Community & Environment – Estate & RPS Bristol Design Scott Wilson Community & Environment – Housing Strategic Land Partnerships Corporate Services – Legal Savills Customer Services – Cleansing and Amenity SPW Building Services Planning Services – Conservation Team Tetlow King Planning Services – Customer Focus Terence O’Rourke Planning Services – Development & Control Vines and Lipscombe Design Group WSP Environmental UK Community Area Partnerships Waterman Group White Young Green Calne Area Community Partnership Willis & Co Corsham Area Community Partnership Wiltshire Windows Cricklade Area Community Partnership Wright Planning Services Malmesbury Area Community Partnership Wootton Bassett Area Community Partnership Land Owners

Corsham Estate Crown Estate Office 5. Developers, Agents & Landowners Defence Estates Hunters Moon Consortium Developers & Agents Royal Mail Group

Adams Hendry Consulting Limited 6. Businesses & Business Groups A1 Planning Services Ltd Asset Optimal Property Consultants Chambers of Commerce Atisreal Barton Wilmore Planning Partnership Calne Chamber of Commerce Bolingbroke Design Chippenham Chamber of Commerce CMS (Bath) Ltd Corsham Chamber of Commerce CgMs Consulting Malmesbury and District Chamber of DL Conservatories Commerce Dialogue Wessex Chamber of Commerce Dolman Building Surveyors Wootton Bassett Chamber of Commerce

35 Appendix 1

Businesses Western Challenge Housing Association Wiltshire Rural Housing Association Ltd Argos LTD Westlea Housing Association Avon Vibration Management Systems Dyson LTD Tenant Associations Faccenda Group LTD Hygrade Foods LTD Corsham & District Panel Morrisons Stores Ltd District Forum Sainsburys Supermarket LTD Dogridge Estate Residents Association Somerfield Stores LTD Lacock Residents Group Vivista LTD Malmesbury & Cricklade Area Tenants Panel Wavin Plastics LTD Parsonage Farm Close & Saxon Close Woolworths PLC Resident Association Westcode Semiconductors LTD Rudloe Community Association Tardis Neighbourhood Resource Centre 7. Housing Bodies, RSL & Tenant Associations Estate Agents

Housing Bodies Alder King Allen & Harris Bellway Homes (Wessex) Atwell Martin Bovis Homes Black Horse Agencies – Alder King Housing Corporation Blount Christopher & CO Home Builders Federation Connells Linden Homes Day & Peirce Ltd Persimmon Strategic Land Limited Dreweatt Neate Redrow Homes Halifax Property Service South West Housing Body Hamptons International Wainhomes (North West) Ltd Henry George Humberts Portman Estate Agents Ridgeway Straker Goodman Ingram Housing Associations Taylors Estate Agents

Anchor Trust 8. National Interest Groups Bristol Churches Housing Association Bromford Housing Group British Aggregates Association Gloucestershire Housing Association British Geological Survey (Exeter) Guinness Trust British Waterways James Butcher Housing Association British Waterways (South West) Jephson Housing Association CEH Dorset Kennet Housing Society Ltd Forestry Commission Knightstone Housing Association National Playing Fields Association Orbit Housing Association Quarry Products Association Raglan Housing Association RSPB Sanctuary Housing Association Society Protection Ancient Buildings Sarsen Housing Association The Ramblers Association Shaftesbury Housing Association The British Wind Energy Association Somer Housing Group Sovereign Housing Association 9. Local Interest Groups South Western Co-operative Housing Society Calne Area Transport (CAT) United Housing Association Ltd Calne Community Credit Union Warden Housing Association Ltd

36 Appendix 1

Campaign for Real Ale, North West Wiltshire Wiltshire Historic Monuments Society Branch Wiltshire Farmers Market Association Cherhill Wednesday Club Cotswold Canals Trust Civic Societies Cotswold Community Cotswold Conservation Board Calne Civic Society CPRE North Wiltshire and Swindon Group Chippenham Civic Society CPRE Wiltshire Branch Corsham Civic Society Gastard Village Hall Malmesbury Civic Trust Guthrie Playgroup Hullavington Village Hall Arts Groups Kandu Arts for Sustainable Development Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Calne Artist Group Kennet & North Wilts Advocacy project Chippenham Arts Festival Ladies Circle Corsham Windband Association Learning Curve Film@The Pound and The Global Village Link – Calne and District Community Film Festival Link – Chippenham - transport Pickwich Theater Company Link – Corsham Posthorn Arts Limited Link – Malmesbury and District Wessex Scribes Malmesbury & District Community Transport Malmesbury Good Neighbour Scheme 10. Charities & Voluntary Bodies Malmesbury River Valleys Trust National Trust, Wessex Region Alzheimer’s Society North Wilts Branch NFU NW Wiltshire Branch Arthritis Care NFU South West Action for Better Life (ABLE) NFU Swindon & North Wiltshire Advice on Services for Kids (ASK) North and West Wiltshire National Trust Advocacy Works for Mental Heath Association Independent Living centre North Wessex Downs AONB All round Success North Wiltshire Friends of the Earth BADAS North Wilts & Devizes Portage Service Box Luncheon Club North Wilts Care & Repair Breathe Easy North Wilts North Wilts Holiday club for Children and British Lung Foundation Young people with special needs British Red Cross – Chippenham Centre Sherston Senior Club Carers Support North Wilts St Nicholas after School Club Castleford Canal & Rivers Park St Nicholas School Parents Teachers and Charities Information Bureau Friends Association Calne Heritage Trust Summer Fun in Calne Cherhill Playgroup The Court Leet, Cricklade Child Health Team The Cotswold Water Park Society Chippenham Gateway Club The Tuesday Club – Malmesbury Chippenham Good Neighbour Link Scheme Womens Institute Chippenham Pregnancy Crisis centre Wilts & Berks Canal Trust (Cricklade) Chippenham Stroke Support Group Wilts & Berks Canal Trust (Wootton Bassett) Chippenham & District Homemakers Wilts & Berks Canal Trust (Melksham, Chippenham & District Women’s Refuge Calne, Chippenham) Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Wiltshire Agenda 21 Connexions Wiltshire & Swindon Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal Trust, Colemans Farm Learning & Community Wootton Bassett Centre Association Wiltshire and Swindon PHAB Area Colemans Farm Learning and Community Committee Centre Wiltshire Countryside Activities & Access Community First Group Community Stroke Project

37 Appendix 1

Community Mental Health Team Voluntary Action Kennet Cricklade Action Partnership Waste Not Want Not CRUSE – Bereavement Care (Bath & District Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society Branch) Wiltshire Mind Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust N Wilts Wiltshire Older Peoples Advocacy Service Branch Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Devises & Wilts Fibromyalgia Support Workers Educational Association (WEA) Diabetes UK – Chippenham and District Woman’s National Commission Group WRVS Dorothy House Hospice Care Face to Face 11. General Public & Residents Family Mediation Associations Family Welfare Association Friends of Romanians Horses Malmesbury & St Paul ‘s Without Residents Gay Men’s Health Wiltshire & Swindon Association The Great Western Community Forest Health and Safety Executive Bristol Office 12. Hard to Reach Groups Independent Living Centre Learning and Skills Council-Wiltshire and People with Disabilities Swindon Living Options Information service BILD Malmesbury & Chippenham Osteoporosis Calne Access Group Support Group Corsham Disabled Club Marie Curie Cancer Care Office Chippenham & District Transport for the Motor Neurone Disease Association Disabled Society North Wilts Pre-School Learning Alliance Community Team for People with Learning North Wilts Autistic Support Group Disability North Wiltshire CVS Down trust Calne NSPCC Family Centre Disability Rights Commission Olive Branch Counselling Guide Dogs Parkinson Disease Society – Malmesbury Lackham & Chippenham Riding for the Branch Disabled Parklands Community Day Centre Learning Disabilities Public Health (Contaminated Land) North Wiltshire Access to the Disabled Reach Out (Wiltshire) North Wilts Action Group for People with Relate Mid Wiltshire Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) REVIVAL RNID RFET Wiltshire Quest The Wiltshire Blind Association Rural Needs Initiative Wheelchair Users Group Splitz Parenting Alone Support Service Wiltshire and Swindon Users Network Springboard SSAFA Forces Help Older People St Johns Ambulance Swindon & Wilts Alcohol & Drugs Service Age Concern Wiltshire Swindon Communication Project (SCAMP) Contact the Elderly Tardis Neighbourhood Resource Service Helped the Aged, England The Bridge Project North Wilts Older People's Reference Group The Elizabeth Finn Trust The Greatwstern Community Forest Black & Minority Ethnic People The Rubicon Society The Stroke Association – Dysphasia Commission for Racial Equality TOFS Swindon Racial Equality Council The Witness Service Wiltshire Race Equality Council U3A – North Wiltshire Group Victim Support Wiltshire

38 Appendix 1

Military Youth Action Wiltshire

Basil Hill Barracks RAF Hullavington RAF Lyneham RNSD Copenacre

Religious Groups

Bristol Diocesan Council Central Methodist Church, Monkton Hill Chippenham Churches Together North Wilts Rural Churches Group Sikh Missionary Society St Andrews Church The Buddhist Society The Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales The Church of England (Bristol) The Church of England Diocese of Salisbury The Muslim Council of Britain

Gypsies and Travellers

Gypsy Council Gypsy & Traveller Law Reform Coalition Friends, Families and Travellers National Association of Gypsy and Traveller Officers National Association of Health Workers with Travellers National Association of Teachers of Travellers National Travellers Action Group The Gypsy Council for Health, Education and Welfare The Romany Gypsy Council The Showmans Guild of Great Britain

Young Persons

Calne Young Peoples Town Council Church Groups Connexions Centre Chippenham Malmesbury Area Youth Support (MAYS) Millennium Volunteers Wiltshire & Swindon North Wiltshire Young Carers Group North Wiltshire Young Peoples Council The Young Parents Group, Chippenham and Surrounding Area Wiltshire Assembly of Youth Wiltshire College Student Council Wiltshire Federation of Young Farmers The Youth Club at RAF Lyneham Youth Development Centre’s, North Wiltshire

39 Appendix 1

Appendix C - Consultation Matrices

Appendix C contains matrices on the application of different consultation methods for all North Wiltshire District Council target groups. It should be noted that at each stage the consultation methods presented are targets and may not always be applied. For each consultation method we will always set the context in terms of the current stage of the document, its importance and the next stages in its development.

Standard Consultation (SC)

This is a standard approach to consultation aiming to combine a number of communications techniques including letter, email shot and website update to reach all consultation target groups.

Letter – A formal letter will be sent to all Statutory Bodies including Central, Regional, Local Government, Councillors, Adjacent Authorities and Parish, Town Councils. The letter will form part of the Councils statutory written consultation process. In addition letters will be sent to all relevant target groups on the Councils community database. The letter will be adapted to the stages at which the planning document is at contrasting from a formal letter to an informal postcard. Letters will be distributed at all major stages and will have additional information for target groups that have submitted representations.

Email – The Council will email consultation groups that regularly use their email accounts. These groups have been identified as other North Wiltshire Business Areas, Councillors, Developers, Agents and Parish, Town Councils. Due to the potential for this medium to expand an email directory will be started and used as a supporting consultation method.

Website – All new planning documents and consultation periods will be displayed on the Council’s Website at http://www.northwilts.gov.uk/ldf. The website will act as the Council’s interface with the general public and developers in conjunction with letters and email shots.

Public Display – At the completion of draft and final planning documents the Council will publicly display the document within all the Districts Libraries, Information Points and at the District Council Offices. This is to allow the general public and interested parties to view planning documents without Internet access.

Internal Media (IM)

North Wiltshire District Council regularly consults the public using its internal media resources including Peoples Voice, Tomorrows Voice and Improving North Wiltshire Newsletter.

People’s Voice – The Council has created a database of over 1000 members of the public who have agreed to respond to regular questionnaires on Council issues. The planning services department has used this consultation method on many occasions to broadly assess the public’s views on development concerns and issues.

Tomorrow’s Voice – A questionnaire distributed by the Council to young people across the district with the aim of understanding their opinions on local issues.

45 Appendix 1

Improving North Wiltshire – This is the Council’s own newsletter that is circulated to all residents of North Wiltshire. Where circulation timetables coincide with major stages in the development of planning documents an article will be included.

External Media (EM)

Radio – Where appropriate local radio stations will be sent press releases to advertise the completion of key planning documents of high public interest.

TV – Where appropriate planning applications and planning documents of high public interest may be promoted by press releases to local news television.

Newspaper – Local and national newspapers can reach a wide variety of the general public and consultation target groups. North Wiltshire District Council are committed to maximising community consultation and will advertise consultation periods and new planning documents for two weeks in advance of publication/consultation. The Local newspapers that will be used for advertising are the Wiltshire Times, Gazette & Herald, Swindon Evening Advertiser and the Wiltshire and Gloucester Advertiser.

Planning for Real (PR)

Planning for Real – This is a planning consultation method developed for consultation with the general public where simple hands on activities are used to demonstrate ideas on how their area can be improved through planning.

Specialist Sessions (SS)

Specialist Sessions – Where a document has particular relevance a focused “specialist” session may be undertaken. For example, in relation to the Chippenham and NW Towns DPD, a specialist session aimed at young people may be run explaining the documents relevance to them and the importance of their involvement. Liaison with the Council’s Youth Involvement Development Officer would occur in such circumstances and consideration will be given to the use of external facilitators with specialist skills in empowering that particular target group.

Forums (F)

Forums – At key early stages in the production of new planning documents, forums will be held to discuss key issues. This is in line with the Government’s objective of front loading consultation at the beginning of document production.

Public Exhibitions (PE)

Public Exhibitions – These will be held in the main towns of the District and in other locations where appropriate, to ensure as many people as possible are reached. Officers will attend with the expectation of explaining documents and increasing public awareness.

Representations (RP)

Representations – At draft key stages in the production of Development Plan Documents and Supplementary Planning Documents formal consultation will occur with the opportunity to submit representations. After this period, we will amend the documents

46 Appendix 1

according to appropriate representations received. On adoption a letter to all those who made representations will be sent, explaining what we have done in relation to their comments.

One to Ones (OTO)

One to Ones - In certain circumstances where appropriate issues raised during early community involvement may involve “one to ones” with any member of the community so wishing to ensure a full understanding of the key issues.

Meetings (M)

Meetings – We are committed to attending and addressing as many of the meetings of groups/bodies and organisations within the community as possible during major consultation stages.

Questionnaire (QU)

Questionnaires – As a valuable form of data collection questionnaires will be used by the Council to assess views and opinions. The information gathered from the questionnaires will be directly feed into the production of new planning documents.

Newsletter (NL)

Newsletter/Leaflet – A newsletter will form the Council’s main consultation process with the general public, community groups and businesses. The newsletter is intended to be an informative leaflet, summarising the position and setting the context for major stages in the planning process.

Large Print (LP)

Large Print – The Council will supply on request large print versions of key documents.

Audio (AU)

Audio – The Council will supply on request audio versions of key documents.

Translation (T)

Translations – The Council will supply on request translated versions of key documents.

47 Appendix C - Consultation Methods

Development Plan Documents (DPDs)

Pre-Production Stages Production Stages Submission Stages Evidence Early Community Issues & Options Preferred Option Submission (SoS) Post- Gathering Involvement Consultation Consultation Consultation Submission Consultees/ Target Groups1 SC, IM, EM, M IM, EM, QU, F, PR, PE, SS SC, QU, NL, F SC, NL, M, R SC, IM, EM, R SC, NL

Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) Key (see page xx for Pre-Production Production details) Evidence Early Community Draft SPD Formal Public Adoption Gathering Involvement Participation AU Audio Consultees/ Target Groups1 SC, IM, EM, M IM, EM, QU, F, PR, PE, SS SC, NL, IM, EM, F IM, EM, M, F, SS, R SC, NL EM External Media F Forum IM Internal Media LP Large Print Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) M Meetings NL Newsletter Scoping Draft SCI Submission (SoS) Post- OTO One to One Consultation Submission PE Public Consultees/ Target Groups1 NL, QU, WS, OTO, M SC, QU, SS, F, EM, IM, NL, M, R SC, IM, EM, R SC, NL Exhibitions PR Planning for Real QU Questionnaire R Representations Sustainability Appraisal (SA) SC Standard Consultation Context Objective & Scoping Report Assessing Alternative Assessing Preferred SS Specialist Baseline Strategies Option Sessions Consultees/ Target Groups1 SC, IM, EM IM, EM, NL, OTO SC, QU, NL, F SC, NL, M, R T Translation WS Website

Note 1: Audio, Large Print and Translation Services will be available to relevant Hard to Reach Groups (see page 8 for details) APPENDIX D - EXISTING COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

There are a number of existing community involvement initiatives already undertaken by the Council that are linked with the commitments set out within this SCI. The existing initiatives referred to are detailed as follows:

North Wiltshire Corporate Plan

The North Wiltshire Corporate Plan brings together all the activities of the Council in a single document so that the whole organisation is working together in support of the same overall priorities. It puts on record our objectives for the future of North Wiltshire and how they are to be achieved.

Our four Corporate Aims underpin all our work and they all link to effective communication. These are as follows:

· To create a customer service culture by investing in and empowering those who serve the public. · To ensure high quality, cost effective services. · To enable the provision of responsive, accessible and fair services delivered with courtesy and care; and · To safeguard and enhance the assets and resources of North Wiltshire and the wider community.

The first aim is the commitment to support Council employees and councillors to develop a strong customer-service culture. Communicating and consulting with the community is fundamental to achieving this.

The second and third aims reflect the type of services the Council would like to deliver or enable. Again, taking account of customer needs through effective two-way communication about our services and consultation on changes to services will improve our customer focus.

The fourth aim is concerned with protecting and improving the quality of life. Consulting with all communities within North Wiltshire will help the Council to understand what local people see as important to them in terms of wellbeing.

The Wiltshire Compact

Central government now expects all local authorities and Primary Care Trusts to establish a formal COMPACT with the voluntary and community sector. A local COMPACT is an agreement between independent voluntary and community groups, the District Council and other public bodies. It is considered vital for improving relationships for mutual advantage, it also;

· Helps each partner understand and value the roles, nature and contribution of different kinds of organisations; · Has agreement on both sides and mechanisms to make sure it works; ______

North Wiltshire District Local Development Framework – Statement of Community Involvement – April 2006 49 · Sets standards of communication, consultation and support; and · Provides a practical way to help partners work together in formal partnership on the ground.

The Wiltshire Compact has been developed by a partnership board made up of Wiltshire County Council, all the District Councils (including NWDC), the Primary Health Care Trusts and membership organisations from the voluntary and community sector in Wiltshire. It was established in 1998 and was, in fact, one of the first Compacts in the Country.

On 13 September 2005 the Wiltshire Compact launched a set of four “Codes of Practice” covering the following key areas: Communication and Consultation; Funding and Procurement; Equality and Diversity and Volunteering. The Code of Practice on communication and Consultation is particularly relevant to the SCI. All four of the Codes of Practice can be viewed by following the following link: www.northwilts.gov.uk/community & living/ wiltshire compact or a hard copy can be obtained from the Council offices.

The North Wiltshire Community Strategy

The Local Government Act (2000) placed a duty on Councils to promote the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the area they serve and required mechanisms for delivery to be established including the establishment of Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs) and the development and publication of “Community Strategies”. The North Wiltshire Community Strategy was launched on 17 November 2005. A copy of the strategy can be viewed on the council’s website or a hard copy obtained from the council offices.

The document sets out key actions to address issues affecting communities across North Wiltshire and where the LSP can make a difference. The purpose of the LSP is to achieve results through good, supportive partnership working.

Community Area Plans

In 2000, the government placed a responsibility on local authorities to find ways of engaging more closely with the communities they exist to serve. Community Plans are an attempt to stimulate and broaden the current local government consultation processes within a manageable geographical area.

There are five community areas identified within North Wiltshire and each is responsible for identifying local needs through consultation and preparing their own “Community Plan” to address the economic, social and environmental aspirations and needs of those who live in the towns and villages of the area and its community. The Community Partnership groups (who have produced the plans) are made up of representatives from local residents; volunteers, Parish, Town, District and County Councils; public, voluntary and private sector organisations. All five of the North Wiltshire Community Plans have now been launched – Calne in 2004, covering the period until 2014, with the remaining four plans (Malmesbury; Wootton Bassett and Cricklade; Chippenham and Corsham) all being launched in 2005 and covering the period until 2015. Copies of these plans are

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North Wiltshire District Local Development Framework – Statement of Community Involvement – April 2006 50 available on the Council’s website at www.northwilts.gov.uk or in hard copy from the Council offices at Monkton Park.

North Wiltshire Communication and Consultation Strategy (September 2004)

The Council have produced and adopted our own Communication and Consultation Strategy. This strategy aims to meet the challenges for communication and consultation for the Council over the next three years (through to 2007). The main purposes of the strategy are to:

· Increase and maintain awareness of the services and functions we provide and enable; · Assist us in listening to and learning from our staff, members, customers and residents; · Improve local accountability and democracy, building the views of local people into our decision making process; · Enable us to explain to our local community the reasons for our policies and priorities; and · Promote and enable self-service access to electronic information, consultation and services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In implementing the strategy the Council hopes to achieve:

· Better access to services, information and consultation; · Greater community understanding of the Council, its priorities, projects and services; · An improved public profile for the Council; and · Improved staff retention.

North Wiltshire’s “Media” - Improving North Wiltshire, People’s Voice and Tomorrow’s Voice.

The Council’s Newsletter entitled “Improving North Wiltshire” demonstrates our commitment to community consultation through the media. The newsletter is issued during March and September each year and is delivered to every residential household in the district. This is approximately 54,000 homes. The newsletter advertises the successes we have achieved in the past months and updates the community on the progress of forthcoming projects being delivered by the Council’s Business Areas.

We also regularly consult the North Wiltshire community through two opinion polls, People’s Voice and Tomorrow’s Voice. People’s Voice is a panel of 1200 residents that are demographically representative of the population whereas Tomorrows Voice is a survey that identifies the opinions of young people across the district at secondary school level. NWDC distributes both questionnaires to the panel and young people in March and

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North Wiltshire District Local Development Framework – Statement of Community Involvement – April 2006 51 September. The opinion polls are used by different service sectors throughout the Council as a standard form of research.

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North Wiltshire District Local Development Framework – Statement of Community Involvement – April 2006 52 Appendix E – Consultation Methods for Major Planning Applications

Tier 1

For those applications falling within ‘Tier 1’, it may be expected that the widest level of community consultation will be undertaken. In these circumstances the use of public meetings, development briefs and the media as part of the consultation process may be considered to be the most appropriate.

The following types of planning applications are likely to be subject to wider community involvement as set out in the table attached:

· Development Plan Departures [ref: Circular 07/99, Town and Country Planning(Development Plans and Consultation) (Departures) Directions 1999] · Schedule 1 developments – as defined by the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999); · Development proposals that are subject to the Town and Country Planning (Residential Density) (London and South East England) Direction 2002 · Town and Country Planning (Shopping Development) (England and Wales) Direction [as Annex D to PPG6 and substituted by Circular 15/93]. A revised edition of PPG6 was published in 1996, but it is the 1993 Shopping Development Direction which remains in force.

Tier 2

For those applications falling within ‘Tier 2’, it may be expected that applicants/developers would undertake a greater level of community involvement above that normally (i.e. posting of site notices or neighbour notification letters) carried out. In these circumstances engaging the public through public exhibitions or Enquiry by Design exercises may be appropriate.

The following types of planning applications are likely to be subject to wider community involvement except where it can reasonably be justified that for a particular application the approach to wider community involvement can be waived.

· Schedule 2 developments – as defined by the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations as requiring an EIA; · Development proposals which fall within the Town and Country Planning (Residential Development on Greenfield Land) (England) Direction 2000 · Development proposed on playing fields as set out in the Town and Country Planning (Playing Fields) (England) Direction 1998 (The Direction applies to any proposal for development of any playing field owned by a local authority or used by an educational institution, as specified in the Direction). · Applications which require a Full Transport Assessment (to reflect the scale of development and the extent of the transport implications of the proposal)

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North Wiltshire District Local Development Framework – Statement of Community Involvement – April 2006 53 Tier 3

For those applications falling within ‘Tier 3’, the appropriate to the level of Community Involvement to engage the public and the type of involvement required should be considered on a site by site basis.

The significance of the following types of application is likely to be determined on a ‘site-by-site’ basis at a ‘local’ level:

Applications of a local significance for example: · fall marginally below the thresholds identified under Tiers 1 and 2; · Involve an authority in seeking provision of affordable housing; and · Involve an authority in requiring contributions towards school places.;

Applications that fall within sites that are ‘sensitive’ to development pressures such as: · Development adjoining a listed building; · Substantial demolition in a Conservation Area; · Loss of allotment land; · Loss of employment land for housing; · Development on windfall sites

Allocated sites that may not have been subject to extensive consultation in the development plan process, such as allocations which were not objected to and consequently may not have been considered in depth in the independent scrutiny and any public examination;

Other – to encompass lower thresholds for non-conforming uses and other types of specific development. It is expected that these will be set locally and will be themselves subject to extensive public consultation. For example:

· Small employment/business development within predominantly residential areas; · Change of use of A1 retail uses to other ‘non-retail’ uses in neighbourhood centres; and · Telecommunication development in ‘sensitive’ areas.

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North Wiltshire District Local Development Framework – Statement of Community Involvement – April 2006 54 Table 1:

Tier 1: Tier 2: Tier 3: Applications where Applications broadly Applications of a scale or there are considerable in accordance with development area for which issues of scale and Development Plan a LPA requires wider controversy or contrary BUT raising community involvement; to or out of line with controversial issues. applications that fall within Development Plan sites that are ‘sensitive’ to Policy. development pressures and allocated sites that may not have generated significant objection through the local plan process30

Forums X Public Exhibition X X Surgeries X X Development Briefs X Enquiry by Design X X and/or Planning for real Citizen Panels X X X Consultation Panel X Parish Councils X X X Media X Website X X X Local architectural or X X X Design Panel Planning Aid X X

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North Wiltshire District Local Development Framework – Statement of Community Involvement – April 2006 55 Appendix F - Tests of Soundness

The North Wiltshire Statement of Community Involvement must comply with a set of Tests of Soundness outlined within “Planning Policy Statement 12: Local Development Frameworks”, Paragraph 3.10. The following table is taken from “Development Plans Examination – A Guide to the Process of Assessing the Soundness of Statements of Community Involvement” and outlines the key questions the “Tests of Soundness” ask and demonstrates how the Council has met these requirements.

Key Questions Council Evidence

Test i – The LPA has complied with the minimum requirements for consultation as set out in Regulations.

Has the LPA consulted with at least the specific consultation bodies (the Regional Planning Body, the Highways Agency, and any adjoining or overlapping planning authority: county councils, LPAs and parish councils) before preparing their consultation draft SCI as required by Reg. 25?

Has the LPA carried out consultation on the pre-submission draft SCI to satisfy requirements under Regulation 26?

Has the LPA carried out consultation on the Submission draft SCI as required by Regulation 28?

Test ii – The LPA’s strategy for community involvement links with other community involvement initiatives, e.g. the community strategy.

Is it clear from the SCI how the local authority will ensure that the process of community involvement for DPD production will be linked to that for other strategies which are relevant to the DPD in question, including, for example, the community strategy?

Test iii – The SCI identifies in general terms which local community groups and other bodies will be consulted.

Does the SCI make sufficiently clear which general consultation bodies will be consulted on the preparation of DPDs e.g. local community groups, land owners and other bodies?

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North Wiltshire District Local Development Framework – Statement of Community Involvement – April 2006 56 Does the list of bodies the LPA lists as consultees at least include the statutory bodies from PPS12 Annex E?

Is it clear that the LPA will consult with bodies only if the subject matter of the LDD affects them, and that they may consult with additional bodies if appropriate?

Do the methods of consultation described in the SCI meet the minimum requirements of the Regulations?

Test iv – The SCI identifies how the community and other bodies can be involved in a timely and accessible manner.

Does the SCI indicate that community involvement and consultation will be carried out early enough to allow for engagement at each of the stages of DPD preparation, including the issues and options stage?

Test v – The methods of consultation to be employed are suitable for the intended audience and for the different stages in the preparation of local development documents.

Are the methods appropriate and accessible for a range of groups?

Are the methods appropriate for the type of LDDs?

Does the SCI demonstrate what community involvement and consultation activities will take place with the community and stakeholders at the different stages of LDD preparation?

Test vi – The resources are available to manage community involvement effectively.

Has the local planning authority demonstrated that it has given reasonable consideration to the link between resources and the type/scale of community involvement proposed?

Test vii – The statement shows how the results of community involvement will be fed into the preparation of development plan documents and supplementary planning documents.

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North Wiltshire District Local Development Framework – Statement of Community Involvement – April 2006 57 Does the SCI make clear how the decisions regarding DPD and SPD content will be made?

Is it clear how the results of community involvement will be reported and inform the content of LDDs?

Test viii – The authority has mechanisms for reviewing the SCI.

Is it clear what will trigger a review of the SCI?

Test ix – The SCI clearly describes the LPA’s policy for consultation on planning applications.

Does the LPA’s policy and procedures for consultation on planning applications meet the minimum requirements set out in legislation?

Does the SCI provide a clear and unambiguous statement about how it intends to carry out consultation with the public on planning applications?

Is it clear how the results of consultation will be reported and inform decisions on planning applications?

Does the SCI differentiate between different types and scales of application, and make clear the different procedures for consultation that will apply?

Does the SCI set out the LA’s policy towards pre-application consultations, including the expected role of applicants?

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North Wiltshire District Local Development Framework – Statement of Community Involvement – April 2006 58